Bayern Munich will be going to the Santiago Bernabeu looking for two goals and bidding to shut down Real Madrid with the strongest possible lineup.

It will be a difficult task but Bayern have always had fortitude. Real Madrid are suspect and we can hope there are silver linings in the dark clouds.

Injuries

Arturo Vidal, Kingsley Coman, Jérôme Boateng, Manuel Neuer and Arjen Robben are all out of the lineup to face Real Madrid. It goes without saying that injuries have hampered Bayern at this point in a season, for several years. The need for these players has never been so pivotal but Bayern will need to cope without them.

What Jupp said

Jupp was questioned on using two strikers for the fixture and he replied: “every coach has their own clear tactical orientation. I would not deviate from my own in such a game. Sandro Wagner has fought very hard. He has expressed himself a bit in exuberance. He can become a weapon if I have to risk more.”

Jupp also commented on the possibility of dropping Robert Lewandowski: “there were many great goals scorers in the Bundesliga. We all have phases in which we did not score. We all had a drought spell, that’s nothing new. He has my confidence. Lewy scored four goals against Real with Dortmund. Who knows what will happen tomorrow?”

“We must be fully awake for over 95 minutes, minimize sources of error. And, of course, work out opportunities.”

Possible lineup

Bayern will still be a very formidable team going into this fixture. The coach will spare no resources as he looks for a blend of strength and mentality. The last match Bayern played will offer a lot of insight into this one, as Jupp rested almost all members of the first team that are likely to feature on Tuesday.

The front three

I predict that Bayern will opt for a front three of Franck Ribéry, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Müller. There was some chatter by fans and on our very own blog about dropping Robert Lewandowski. However, it is extremely unlikely that it will happen. Bayern will be hoping for better finishing from the front three that failed to score in the first leg.

Midfield three

James Rodríguez, Thiago Alacântara and Javi Martínez are expected to play. Thiago will be looking for a better performance than he had in the first leg. James Rodríguez will definitely be looking to put his old team to bed and show them what they are missing. Javi will also be looking to stamp his mark on this match if he is to show why he should be going to the World Cup.

Defence

The return of David Alabato the squad is a celebrated one. There has not been a more important time for him to play as Bayern will be trying to exploit wing play to find a way back from the abyss. Niklas Süle and Mats Hummels will be the centre-back pairing. Süle has the chance to show Joachim Löw that he deserves a spot at the World Cup, especially if Jérôme Boateng is not fit for the tournament. Joshua Kimmich “the reliable” will play his role at right-back. The full-back has been in sensational form and will be eager to push to the finals of the Champions League.

Goalkeeper

Sven Ulreich will retain his position and continue the wonderful job he has been doing all season.